Notre Dame commit looking to visit Hogs

Norte Dame running back commitment Jamel James respects the coaching ability of Arkansas Coach Bret Bielema so much he hopes to make an official visit.

James, 5-11, 218, 4.38 seconds in the 40 yard dash, of Katy, (Tx.) Cinco Ranch high school orally committed to Arkansas during the summer of 2011 but reopened his recruiting shortly after the firing of Bobby Petrino as the Hogs' coach.

"It's just himself and the type offense he runs." said James, who credits Hog offensive line coach Chris Klenakis for building a strong relationship with him. "It was amazing how he was able to regroup a team do what he did with that Wisconsin team. They had a good run and I can't wait to see what he does with Arkansas.

A 4-star recruit by National recruiting analyst Tom Lemming of CBS Sports Network, James officially visited the Fighting Irish for the Michigan game on Sept. 22. He plans to visit Arizona State this weekend.

James said Klenakis told him Bielema plans to call him soon and at that time he plans to set a date for a visit to Fayetteville.

Under Bielema, the Badgers constantly turned out 1,000 rushers each season and have won their share of postseason honors, including two-time 1st team All American senior Montee Ball, who was named the Doak Walker award winner recently.

"They did have a lot of success with running backs," James said. "I'm just real interested and I'm trying to be a part of their success and try and be the next one."

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Richard Davenport

Richard Davenport covers recruiting for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. He is the host of Recruiting Thursday, a weekly radio show that airs from 7 to 8 p.m. on 92.1 FM in Fayetteville; 93.7 FM in Little Rock; 95.3 FM in Fort Smith; 96.3 FM in Hot Springs; 104.3 FM in Harrison/Mountain Home; and 106.9 FM in Arkadelphia.